This series includes high quality diecast models of modern and historical aircraft. Each item is recreated with lifelike details and is true to scale. Titles include many of today’s most popular commercial airlines and both modern and historic military aircraft.

The famous Bell X-1 was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight. Its development started in 1945, and it was inspired by the shape of a Browning .50-cal machine gun round. The first supersonic test flight occurred on 14 October 1947. A derivative ordered by the US Air Force (USAF) in 1948 was the Bell X-1A, which was an improved design featuring greater fuel capacity and hence a longer engine-burn time. The X-1A looked slightly different with its bubble canopy and longer fuselage, although it was powered by the same Reaction Motors XLR-11 rocket engine. It was intended for research of aerodynamic properties at speeds surpassing Mach 2. The Bell X-1A (with serial number 48-1384) first exceeded Mach 2 in November 1953, but the following month test pilot Captain “Chuck” Yeager achieved a speed record of Mach 2.44. Unfortunately, the experimental plane was later lost in an explosion in August 1955.

Joining earlier versions of the Bell X-1, Warbirds now has an excellent 1/144 scale model of the X-1A in its collection. Because of the fundamental differences between the X-1 and X-1A, the new model has received a brand new fuselage. In fact, Item No.51038 offers not one, but two, complete models in this set! The two models are different too - one is a realistic-looking replica, while the other has a novel transparent fuselage that allows a clear view of the aircraft’s innards. Both aircraft can be mounted together in flying mode on a twin metal stand, a configuration that produces a stunning exhibit.